Methods and compositions useful for bryophyte remediation to improve forest health and growth

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a novel composition and method for controlling, killing or inhibiting the growth of bryophytes (e.g. mosses and liverworts). It is applicable to the remediation of these organisms in, gardens, orchards or agricultural land, or forests and upon higher plants without substantial detriment to grasses, trees or most broad leaf plants. The novel composition is a combination of an effective amount of finely ground calcium-rich compound suspended in a horticulturally or agriculturally acceptable diluent, and/or binder/carrier. In addition to being a carrier for the calcium-rich compound the binder also acts to bind fine soil particles, helping to conserve irrigation water and to reduce soil erosion. The binder can further incorporate further components such as wetting agents and penetration agents (both of which are broadly referred to as surfactants), and translocation agents, adhesives, emulsifiers, suspending agents, thickeners, synergists other moss killers or biocides, such as herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, insecticides and weed killers, hormones, plant growth regulators or plant nutrients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a bryocidal formulation andmethods of use that are useful in the management and control ofbryophytes. More specifically, the bryocidal formulation and methods ofuse thereof are useful in slowing and/or reversing the decline in thequality and health of mature trees.

[0003] 2. Description of the State of Art

[0004] Scientists worldwide have been puzzled by a seemingly rapiddecline in the quality and health of many mature and old-growth forests.Interestingly, forests most protected from the impact of natural andhuman disturbances often seem to be suffering the worst. Because so manycauses have been postulated for forest decline, ranging from acid rainand global warming to pathogenic fungi and viruses, most scientists nowaccept a “multiple factor” explanation for tree dieback. Indeed, it iscommon for forests in decline to be simultaneously affected by bothenvironmental stresses (e.g., drought, acid rain, and soilacidification) and biological stresses (e.g., root rot, bark beetles,and budworms). However, since the list of possible causes varies fromspecies-to-species and place-to-place, the utility of suchcharacterizations becomes problematic. Conventional approaches have yetto yield any unified set of mechanisms, which can account for forestdecline globally.

[0005] Accordingly, solutions to remediate the problem of forest declinehave focused on treating the various causal factors where they occur.Treatments include fumigating for insects and soil pathogens, applyinglime, calcium-rich fertilizers, or leaf mulch to reduce soil acidity,and reducing levels of acid rain by controlling pollution. Of thesetreatments, liming has been shown to be the most effective, though ithas not always resulted in improved forest health. None of these methodshave proven to be a general solution to widespread forest decline.

[0006] Besides the problem of decline in mature and old-growth forests,there has also been found to be a problem in seedling regenerationfollowing logging of these forests. Various site preparation techniqueshave been found to promote the establishment of seedlings that naturallyregenerate or are subsequently planted. The techniques includeprescribed burning, herbicides, scarification (scraping of surfacesoils), raking, and applying steam. These treatments are intended toremove or kill the remaining ground vegetation after logging, thusallowing for greater survival and growth of tree seedlings. All of thesetechniques have been shown to be effective, in varying degrees, inpromoting seedling regeneration, however these techniques are used onlyfor site preparation and not in the maintenance of older trees orforests.

[0007] In addition to natural forests, the agriforest and timberindustries of the world are profoundly impacted by forest decline andthe economical and social benefits that would be achieved through theslowing and/or reversal of forest decline would be enormous. Forinstance, in the state of Florida citrus trees produce over $1 billiongross revenues annually. Effective treatments for controlling citrusdecline could add on the order of $10 to $100 million in revenuesannually to the Florida citrus industry alone. Considering the extent ofcitrus plantations and other forests managed for agricultural and timberproduction that are affected by forest decline, the financial benefit ofan effective treatment method on these industries is likely in thebillions of dollars.

[0008] A major breakthrough in forest decline research, achieved byapplying complex system theory to the problem, has revealed the criticalrole that forest floor mosses play in weakening and killing trees, seeFIG. 1. Moss effects are primarily via the chemical modification ofwater that passes though their tissues and then into the underlying rootzone. Fine roots are killed by the heavy metal compounds which arecontained in this highly acidic leachate. Affected trees have difficultyobtaining water from the soils and become water stressed, whichmanifests itself initially through the decline and death of theuppermost leaves and branches. Virtually all symptoms typical of forestdecline are consistent with an overall loss of fine roots.

[0009] As discussed above, foresters have used steam while preparing theground for reseeding with coniferous seedlings after logging. Steamingas ground preparation is part of a general strategy to release nutrientsfrom the soil and to remove vegetation. Additionally, althoughpreviously foresters have treated forests with lime, calcium-richfertilizers, or leaf mulch to rejuvenate forests, such treatments wereaimed at reducing soil acidity. Consequently, such fertilizers wereformulated and such treatments were performed in a manner whereby thefertilizers would penetrate the soil surface and not be retainedthereon. Consequently, these techniques had little to no impact onforest floor moss.

[0010] Bryophyte remediation (or “bryo-remediation”) refers to a suiteof practices, which are specifically focused on reducing the growth andcover of bryophytes (e.g., mosses and liverworts), to the benefit of thesurrounding trees. Certain “traditional” forestry practices, asdiscussed above, such as prescribed fires, applying lime, and raking,all of which tend to lessen the acidity of forest soils, also act, moreor less, as moss reduction techniques. However, no specific formulationhas been developed to directly suppress moss growth. Although scientistshave recognized the deleterious effects of mosses on mature trees andforests, there is further a need for a satisfactory means by which toreduce moss beneath mature trees thus benefiting the overall health oftrees and forests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides novel compositions and methods forcontrolling, killing or inhibiting the growth of bryophytes (e.g. mossesand liverworts). It is applicable to the killing of these organisms in,gardens, orchards or agricultural land, forests and upon higher plantswithout substantial detriment to grass, trees or most broad leaf plants.The novel composition is a combination of an effective amount of afinely ground calcium-rich compound suspended in a horticulturally oragriculturally acceptable diluent, and/or binder/carrier. In addition tobeing a carrier for the calcium-rich compound the carrier also acts tobind fine soil particles, helping to conserve irrigation water and toreduce soil erosion. The bryocidal formulation may be applied directlyto untreated soils or alternatively the soil may be pretreated by theuse of steam.

[0012] Additional advantages, and novel features of this invention shallbe set forth in part in the description and examples that follow, and inpart will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examinationof the following or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities and in combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form apart of the specifications, illustrate the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, and together with the description serve to explainthe principles of the invention.

[0014] In the Drawings:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a photograph depicting the effects of bryophytes ontrees.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] The present invention relates to a bryocidal composition orformulation which incorporates a calcium-rich compound, such as anaturally mined rock (AZOMITE™, also referred to herein as azomite)which chemically is a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate. Thisbryocidal composition acts primarily upon bryophytes (i.e., mosses andliverworts.) The bryocidal formulation is a combination of an effectiveamount of finely ground AZOMITE™ or a similar calcium-rich compoundsuspended in a horticulturally or agriculturally acceptable diluent,and/or carrier/binding agent. In addition to being a carrier for theAZOMITE™ the carrier also acts to bind fine soil particles, helping toconserve irrigation water and to reduce soil erosion. The carrier canfurther incorporate further components such as wetting agents andpenetration agents (both of which are broadly referred to assurfactants), and translocation agents. It is totally unexpected thatthe formulation of the present invention would havebryophyte-controlling activity since the active agent, AZOMITE™, iscurrently approved for organic farming in many western states for use asa fertilizer.

[0017] Informed by the new breakthroughs in understanding moss-soil-rootdynamics and their relation to canopy dynamics, the present inventionfocuses on improved, and targeted, bryo-remediation techniques that canstop forest decline and promote the healthy rejuvenation of affectedtrees. In light of the surprising discovery that the bryocidalcomposition of the invention directly controls bryophytes whenformulated to remain on the soil surface the present invention isfurther directed towards methods of applying the bryocidal compositionsto control bryophyte growth and formation under trees, plantations andin forests. One of the bryocidal compositions of the present invention,referred to herein as SILVICURE™, aggressively controls the deleteriousgrowth and spread of bryophytes with little or no impact on other partsof the ecosystem. This composition of the present invention and methodsof use thereof can be used as a tool for significantly improving treehealth and productivity.

[0018] The present invention relates to compositions and methods toimprove health of forests and mature trees. Improving health of treescan include, but is not limited to, preventing tree dieback, andincreasing the productivity of the tree whether by way of fruitproduction, wood production, pulp production, sap production (i.e., inthe form of syrup), and/or flower production. Other benefits achieved byimproving health of trees can include, but are not limited to,stabilizing soils, sheltering and/or providing habitat for other plantsand/or animals, reducing susceptibility to fire, greater safety bydecreasing tree fall, increasing carbon uptake from the atmosphere, andincreasing the aesthetic value of forests. Tree dieback refers to treedecline that begins with death of the top branches or the ends of outerbranches, and then progresses downward or inward along the outerbranches to the trunk. Improving health of trees also refers topreventing and reducing the death of the feeder roots of trees.Improving health of trees also can include improving the growth oftrees. Such improvement in growth can take the form of preventing adecrease in trunk diameter rate of growth.

[0019] Compositions and methods of the current invention areparticularly useful for problems related to acid rain. Acid rainstimulates bryophyte growth, leading to accelerated forest decline.Controlling bryophyte growth with these compositions and methods canthus prevent or mitigate the effects of acid rain.

[0020] The term, bryophyte remediation, or control of bryophytes,includes, but is not limited to, reducing the growth of bryophytes,reducing the area covered by bryophytes, and/or killing bryophytesdirectly. The bryocidal formulation of the present invention can referto compounds and/or formulations that remediate bryophytes, withoutsubstantial detriment to grasses, trees, or other plants.

[0021] The term “trees” refers to all woody angiosperms and gymnospermsin both a natural and commercial setting, and refers both to saplings(i.e. immature trees) and mature trees. The invention contemplates useon any tree species that may be benefited by the treatments of theinvention. In a preferred embodiment, trees to be treated include alltrees used for timber, bananas, coconut palm, olives, ground nuts, oilpalm, roses, lucerne, sugar maples, tea and fruit, including citrusfruit, apples, plums, peaches, oranges, nectarines, mangoes, pears,cherries, grapes, berries, currants, dates, figs, avocados, almonds, andapricots.

[0022] Other crops and crop plants which are not be trees but arenonetheless of importance which may be protected according to thepresent invention include sugar cane, alfalfa, hemp, flax, peanuts,sorghum, alliums including onions, shallots, leeks, garlic, chives andspring onions, root vegetables including carrots, parsnips, turnips,beetroot, sugar beet, radishes, swedes and mangolds, brassicas includingcabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and sprouts; grazing land pulsesincluding peas, broad beans, French beans, runner beans, navy beans,kidney beans and lentils; curcubaceous plants including cucumbers,marrows, gourds and squashes, oilseed rape, timber, rubber, cotton,coffee, cocoa, jute, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, and/or tobacco.

[0023] Compositions of the present invention for bryophyte remediationinclude a soil treatment that includes a binding agent as well as acalcium-rich compound. Without being bound by theory, the inventorbelieves that calcium has a deleterious effect on bryophytes. Thus, anycalcium-rich compound can be included in compositions of the presentinvention, and as such, a preferred calcium-rich compound includes, butis not limited to, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate containingother minerals and trace elements which the National Research Councilrecognizes as being essential, herein referred to as AZOMITE™. AZOMIT™is a registered trademark of Peak Minerals—AZOMITE, Inc., Branson, Mo.Other suitable calcium-rich compounds contemplated for use in thisinvention are crushed or micronized limestone, including rock dust, limepulp, crushed or micronized seashells, crushed or micronized dolomite,and/or calcium ions in solution having a pH less than 7. The chemicalcomposition of limestone is CaCO₃; of dolomite is CaMg(CO₃)₂. Lime pulprefers to the lime-rich byproduct of wood pulp production. Micronizationrefers to the process of finely grinding a mineral until particle sizesrange from one micron in diameter to about 1 millimeter in diameter.

[0024] As way of illustration only, the bryocidal formulations discussedin detail below are prepared using AZOMITE.™ The bryocidal formulationis achieved by adding micronized (i.e., finely ground) AZOMITE™, inparticle sizes ranging from about 30 microns in diameter to about 5millimeters in diameter, to a suspension or solution of binder/carrier,such as a micronized biodegradeable copolymer, such as but not limitedto, micronized polyacrylamide (PAM). Particle sizes of calcium-richcompounds can vary between about 30 microns in diameter and about 5millimeters in diameter. More preferred are particle sizes that rangefrom about 50 microns in diameter and about 200 microns in diameter.However, the larger particles in the millimeter size range may beeffective for releasing calcium over prolonged periods of time, similarto a time release device.

[0025] Binders or carriers include, but are not limited to, any inert,nontoxic agent that will hold a calcium-rich compound on the soilsurface for a length of time. One such class of carriers includes, butis not limited to, anionic polyacrylamides. A preferred carrier ismicronized polyacrylamide (i.e., PAM). The micronized copolymers canhave a particle size ranging from about 30 microns in diameter to about700 microns in diameter, with most preferred sizes ranging between about100 microns in diameter to about 300 microns in diameter.

[0026] Subsequently, if desired, other ingredients, such as surfactants,that is wetting agents or other binding agents, penetration agents,translocating agents, adhesives, emulsifiers, suspending agents,thickeners, synergists other moss killers or biocides, such asherbicides, fungicides, bactericides, insecticides and weed killers,hormones, plant growth regulators or plant nutrients may be added. Themixture is stirred until thoroughly mixed. An example of conditions thatwill result in thorough mixing includes, but is not limited to, stirringfor 1 hour per 50 kilogram of mixture at a temperature between 20° C.and 30° C., with 25° C. being preferred. However, the skilled artisanwill recognize that a wide variety of mixing conditions will result in athoroughly mixed formulation of the invention. Since the solubility ofAZOMITE™ is very low, the combination of micronizing it into fineparticles, and then mixing it with a micronized biodegradeablecopolymer, creates a resulting slurry that both benefits applicationeffectiveness, and AZOMITE™ solubility and adsorption, while minimizingAZOMITE™ post-application leaching loss.

[0027] The preparations generally contain about 0.5% by weight and up toabout 10% by weight of AZOMITE,™ with about 2% being preferred, andabout 1% by weight and up to about 10% by weight of binder such as PAM,with about 3% being preferred. Percentages by weight of othercalcium-rich compounds useful in the current invention will be similarto that of AZOMITE,™ and can be determined easily by the skilledartisan. Optimum concentrations of carrier can also be determined easilyby the skilled artisan. It is contemplated that both the AZOMITE™ andthe binder may be suspended in a surfactant that acts as the wettingagent. Surfactants that may be mixed with the azomite and the copolymerinclude nonionic surfactants such as tweens, carboxymethyl cellulose,glycols, akrylarylpolyoxyethylene ethers (X-77® a registered mark ofLoveland Industries, Inc., Greeley, Colo.), alkyl polyoxyethyleneethers, polyethylene glycolp-isooctyl-phenyl ether (Triton X-100)aliphatic oxylated alcohols, ethoxylated soybean oils, hydrogenatedcastor oils, vegetable oils, methylated seed oils, pyrroles,N-alkylpyrrolidone ranging form C₁ to C₁₂ in alkyl length, and polyvinylpyrrolidones. These surfactants may be used either alone or mixed.

[0028] Formulations:

[0029] An Example of a Basic Formulation: Raw Materials By Weight Range(1) Calcium-rich compound  2% 0.5-10%  (2) Binder  3%  1-10% (3) Solvent(Water) 95%   80-98.5%

[0030] A Second Example of a Formulation: Raw Materials By Weight Range(1) Azomite ™  2% 0.5-10% (2) Polyacrylamide  3%  1-10% (3) Water 95%  80-98.5%

[0031] A Third Example of a Formulation: Raw Materials By Weight Range(1) Calcium-rich compound  2% 0.5-10%  (2) Binder  3%  1-10% (3)Penetration agent  1% 0.1-10%  (4) Water 94% 98.4-70%  

[0032] A Fourth Example of a Formulation: Raw Materials By Weight Range(1) Calcium-rich compound 2% 0.5-10% (2) Binder 3% 1-10% (3) Wettingagent 1% 0.1-10% (4) Water 94%  98.4-70%

[0033] A Fifth Example of a Formulation: Raw Materials By Weight Range(1) Crushed lime, 2% 0.5-10%  lime pulp, crushed shells, crusheddolomite (2) Binder 3%  1-10% (3) Water 95%  98.5-80%  

[0034] In one embodiment, the ground around trees and crop plants aretreated with high pressure steam in conjunction with a bryocidalformulation disclosed above to control bryophytes and improve foresthealth. As discussed previously, foresters have used steam whilepreparing the ground for reseeding with coniferous seedlings afterlogging. Steaming as ground preparation is part of a general strategy torelease nutrients from the soil and to remove vegetation. However, untilthe present invention, it has not been recognized that steam treatmentapplied to the ground under mature trees as an ongoing regimen fortreatment can improve mature tree health and growth. In this embodiment,steam is applied with a flow rate of between about 7.5 liters per minute(LPM) and about 30 LPM, preferably steam is applied at a flow ratebetween about 15 LPM and about 23 LPM. In the most preferred embodiment,steam is applied at a flow rate of about 19 LPM. The steam is heated toa temperature between the ranges of 100° C. and about 150° C. and ispreferably at a temperature of about 125° C. The steam is pressurized toa pressure between about 300 kilopascals (kPa) and about 800 kPa. In themost preferred embodiment, steam pressures are between about 500 kPa andabout 600 kPa. Duration of steam application to bryophytes will be inthe range of about 30 seconds to about 100 seconds with about 60 secondsbeing preferred. Immediately following the steam treatment the bryocidalformulation of the present invention will be applied as a slurry ontothe soil surface with pressurized spray equipment drawing from a holdingtank in the delivery vehicle. The most effective application amount ofthe bryocidal formulation of the present invention is estimated to bebetween 5 and 10 kg per hectare depending upon the area and thickness ofthe moss cover, but exact amounts can be easily determined by theskilled artisan.

[0035] Frequency of application of compositions and methods of thepresent invention can vary, and can easily be determined by one of skillin the art. In a preferred embodiment, frequency of application isexpected to be no more than once per year.

[0036] In another embodiment, a bryocidal formulation of the presentinvention includes broadleaf litter or broadleaf mulch. Broadleaf littercan be pretreated with a calcium-rich compound and a carrier of thepresent invention and spread on the ground. In a preferred embodiment,pretreated broadleaf litter can be compressed into bales designed tobreak open on impact and applied aerially. Appropriate concentrations ofbryocidal formulations and broadleaf litter can be determined easily byone skilled in the art.

[0037] In another embodiment, water permeable, opaque biodegradablefabrics, such as weed barriers, can be blended with a calcium-richcompound of a bryocidal formulation of the present invention, andapplied to the ground. Appropriate amounts of each ingredient can bedetermined easily by a skilled artisan.

[0038] In another embodiment, the health and/or productivity of treesmay be improved by physically scraping bryophytes from the surface ofthe soil around trees.

[0039] The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limitedexamples. All scientific and technical terms have the meanings asunderstood by one with ordinary skill in the art. The specific exampleswhich follow illustrate the methods in which the bryocidal compositionsof the present invention may be prepared and applied and are not to beconstrued as limiting the invention in sphere or scope. The methods maybe adapted to variation in order to produce compositions embraced bythis invention but not specifically disclosed. Further, variations ofthe methods to produce the same compositions in somewhat differentfashion will be evident to one skilled in the art.

EXAMPLES

[0040] The examples herein are meant to exemplify the various aspects ofcarrying out the invention and are not intended to limit the inventionin any way.

Example 1 Formulation of SILVICURE™

[0041] Raw Materials By Weight Range (1) Azomite ™ 2% 0.5-10%  (2)Polyacrylamide 3%  1-10% (3) Water 95%    80-98.5%

Example 2 Treatment of an Orchard of Mature Trees Using Steam andSILVICURE™

[0042] Surface soils in a mature orchard will be treated first withsteam using a hand-held steam applicator fed by hoses from a highpressure steamer mounted on a delivery vehicle to be driven slowlythrough the orchard. Steam will be applied at a flow rate of about 19liters per minute, at a temperature of about 125° C., at a pressure ofabout 500 kPa, and a duration of about 60 seconds. Only surface soilsthat contain moss will be treated. Immediately following steamtreatment, all sites will be treated with SILVICURE,™ which will beapplied as a slurry onto the soil surface with pressurized sprayequipment drawing from a holding tank on a delivery vehicle. SILVICURE™will be applied at a rate of about 5-10 kg per hectare.

Example 3 Treatment of Roadless Forest Managed for Timber Production

[0043] Treatment of forests in roadless areas will be accomplished byapplying broadleaf litter pretreated with SILVICURE.™ Bales (5 kg each)of compressed broadleaf litter, containing SILVICURE™, designed toscatter on impact with the soil surface, will be dropped from anaircraft so that the majority of the forest surface is covered by thepretreated broadleaf litter. The amount of litter to be applied will beabout 200 to 500 bales per hectare.

[0044] The foregoing description is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. The words “comprise,” “comprising,”“include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specificationand in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of oneor more stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, components, steps, or groups thereof. Furthermore, since anumber of modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exactconstruction and process shown described above. Accordingly, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling withinthe scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A composition forremediation of bryophytes comprising a bryocidal formulation comprisinga non-water soluble binding agent and a calcium-rich compound, whereinsaid calcium-rich compound is incorporated into said bryocidalformulation in sufficient quantity to deleteriously impact the growth ofbryophytes.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said calcium-richcompound comprises at least one of the following: micronized hydratedsodium calcium aluminosilicate, crushed hydrated sodium calciumaluminosilicate, micronized limestone, crushed limestone, micronizeddolomite, crushed dolomite, micronized lime pulp, crushed lime pulp,micronized seashells, crushed seashells, or a solution of calcium ions.3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said calcium-rich compound ishydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate.
 4. The composition of claim 1,wherein said calcium-rich compound has a particle size between about 30microns and about 5 millimeters.
 5. The composition of claim 1, whereinsaid calcium-rich compound is present in said soil treatment inconcentrations between about 0.5 percent by weight and about 10.0percent by weight.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein said bindingagent maintains said calcium-rich compound on the soil surface.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said binding agent is non-water solublemicronized polyacrylamide.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein saidbinding agent has a particle size between about 30 microns and about 700microns.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein said binding agent isincorporated into said soil treatment in concentrations between about1.0 percent by weight and about 10.0 percent by weight.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said bryocidal formulation furthercomprises at least one of the following: broadleaf litter, fabric mulch,a wetting agent, or a penetrating agent.
 11. The composition of claim 1,wherein said bryocidal formulation further comprises surfactants,wetting agents or other binding agents, penetration agents,translocating agents, adhesives, emulsifiers, suspending agents,thickeners, synergists other moss killers or biocides, such asherbicides, fungicides, bactericides, insecticides and weed killers,hormones, plant growth regulators or plant nutrients.
 12. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said bryophytes to be treated occuraround trees or crop plants.
 13. The composition of claim 12, whereinsaid bryocidal formulation improves the health and productivity of saidtrees or said crop plants.
 14. A bryocidal formulation comprising: asolvent; a non-water soluble binding agent; and a calcium-rich compoundis present in sufficient quantities to deleteriously impact the growthof bryophytes.
 15. The bryocidal formulation of claim 14, wherein saidcalcium-rich compound is at least one of the following substances:hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate, crushed or micronizedlimestone, including rock dust, lime pulp, crushed or micronizedseashells, crushed or micronized dolomite, and/or calcium ions insolution having a pH less than
 7. 16. The bryocidal formulation of claim14, wherein said binding agent is an inert non-toxic agent that bindscalcium.
 17. The bryocidal formulation of claim 16, wherein said inertnon-toxic agent that binds calcium is an anionic polyacrylamide.
 18. Thebryocidal formulation of claim 17, wherein said anionic polyacrylamideis polyacrylamide.
 19. The bryocidal formulation of claim 17, whereinsaid anionic polyacrylamide has a particle size ranging from about 1micron to about 5 millimeters.
 20. The bryocidal formulation of claim19, wherein said anionic polyacrylamide has a particle size ranging fromabout 30 microns to about 700 microns.
 21. The bryocidal formulation ofclaim 19, wherein said anionic polyacrylamide has a particle sizeranging from about 100 microns to about 300 microns.
 22. The bryocidalformulation of claim 14, wherein said calcium rich compound is hydratedsodium calcium aluminosilicate.
 23. The bryocidal formulation of claim14, wherein said calcium-rich compound is present in a concentrationbetween about 0.5 percent by weight and about 10.0 percent by weight andsaid non-water soluble binding agent is present in a concentrationbetween about 1.0 percent by weight and about 10.0 percent by weight andsaid solvent is present in a concentration between about 80.0 percent byweight and about 98.5 percent by weight.
 24. The bryocidal formulationof claim 14, wherein said calcium-rich compound is present in aconcentration of about 2.0 percent by weight and said binding agent ispresent in a concentration of about 3.0 percent by weight and saidsolvent is present in a concentration of about 95.0 percent by weight.25. The bryocidal formulation of claim 14, wherein the bryocidalformulation further comprises a broadleaf litter.
 26. The bryocidalformulation of claim 14, wherein the bryocidal formulation furthercomprises a broadleaf mulch.
 27. The bryocidal formulation of claim 14,wherein the bryocidal formulation further comprises at least one of thefollowing: surfactants, wetting agents or other binding agents,penetration agents, translocating agents, adhesives, emulsifiers,suspending agents, thickeners, synergists other moss killers orbiocides, such as herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, insecticides andweed killers, hormones, plant growth regulators or plant nutrients. 28.A composition comprising: a non-water soluble polyacrylamide in aconcentration of about 3.0 percent by weight; hydrated sodium calciumaluminosilicate in a concentration of about 2.0 percent by weight; asolvent in a concentration of about 95.0 percent by weight.